Food poverty affects 15% of population

EMOTIONS and social pressures around food, coupled with limited budgets are causing food poverty, which now affects just under one in six (15%) of the population.

People are living in food poverty if they are unable to consume adequate, safe, healthy food in ways suited to their cultural and social norms. Of those on low incomes, it is estimated more than two thirds (35%) experience food poverty.

A study, called Food on a low income, revealed the influence of children’s “pester power”; the priorities of living day-to-day and putting food on the table; the feelings of isolation and a lack of motivation to cook, and the stark differences between the experience of households with children and those living on their own.